Pulse - March 2012 - Bluewater Health

Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012
Major Milestone Reached as Construction
of Home for New MRI Begins
In late 2011, Bluewater
Health announced its
planned purchase of
a new MRI, or Magnetic
Resonance Imaging scanner.
With delivery expected
in April 2012, fundraising
is well underway to help
secure the $2.8 million
required for this critical
piece of equipment. Fundraising
began in December
with Bluewater Health
Foundation’s holiday appeal
letter.
According to Dr. Rishi
Duggal, Medical Director
for Diagnostic Imaging at
Bluewater Health, “Last
year close to 7,000 MRI
scans were done in our Diagnostic
Imaging department,
which illustrates the
true need for MRI equipment.”
The Diagnostic Imaging
department is already
undergoing changes to
prepare for the new equipment.
Construction of the
shell for the new Siemens
It’s no secret that a balanced
approach to
healthy living is one
that incorporates a proper
diet, regular exercise and
a moderate lifestyle. Together,
these three play an
important role in overall
health and the prevention
of disease. However,
too often one of the three
is missing and there is an
increased focus on the
others. The result – an imbalance
within the body
systems and the potential
for health issues. According
to Kathryn Sterling,
Registered Dietitian,
Clinical Nutrition Manager
at Bluewater Health,
“It’s a well-known fact
that obesity, diabetes and
inactivity have a signifi-
After almost a month of construction, walls and other preparations in the home of the new MRI were
well underway, as can be seen by this shot taken February 29. In it, Kathy Alexander, Executive Director,
Bluewater Health Foundation, Marilyn Williams, Director, Diagnostic Imaging, Bluewater Health, Jeremy
Wilcocks, Gibbs Wilson Contracting, and Steve Anema, Chief Financial officer, Bluewater Health, are
standing in the new Control Room, from which technologists will operate the MRI.
Magenetom Aera MRI
magnet began February 6,
and will be completed following
the expected April
delivery. Bluewater Health
anticipates that technologists
will take the first
patient scans on the new
equipment in mid-May.
Although the construction
will result in increased
activity in Diagnostic
Imaging, it will likely go
largely unnoticed by pa-
tients and the public – but
don’t be fooled by appearances.
Progress is being
made behind the scenes,
and the need for community
support for this vital
equipment is clear.
CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN
UNDERWAY
FOR NEW MRI
In December, Bluewater Health Foundation
launched its Capital Campaign specific to the
new MRI. If you would like to make a donation
toward our new MRI, which will enhance
patient care at Bluewater Health, you can do so
in a variety of ways:
In Person at 89 Norman St., Sarnia ON N7T 6S3
By Phone at 519-464-4429
By Mail to 89 Norman St., Sarnia ON N7T 6S3
Planned Giving by calling 519-464-4429
Online by visiting
www.bluewaterhealthfoundation.ca
Embracing a Positive Lifestyle…
March is Nutrition Month
cant impact on a person’s
general health, but what is
concerning is that despite
on-going education and
outreach efforts across
Canada, obesity rates are
dramatically rising. Perhaps
even more shocking
is that the highest percentage
of obesity and inactivity
in Ontario is right here
in Southwestern Ontario.”
From a healthcare perspective,
the consequences
of this trend are visible in
emergency departments
where patients are daily
admitted for heart disease,
hypertension, diabetes and
a number of associated injuries
or health issues. All
indicators point to the need
for increased education
so that all age groups are
aware of the importance
of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
So how can you embark
on a healthier lifestyle?
There are a number
of ways, but as Susan
Harris, a Registered Dietitian
at Bluewater Health
comments, it shouldn’t
be about a quick fix and
pressuring yourself to lose
‘x’ pounds or to suddenly
sign up to run a marathon:
“People need to realistically
look at their overall
lifestyle and assess where
there is an opportunity
to improve it and thereby
improve their health. It’s
too easy to fall into a trap
that demands quick results
instead of making reasonable
changes over time.”
Susan goes on to say:
“The Registered Dietitians
and Diabetes Educators
at Bluewater Health are
working to provide education
and assistance to
patients and their families
who are living with
diabetes or other illness,
where diet plays a role. Ultimately
we hope that the
education and counseling
services that are provided
at the hospital will help
patients and their families
better understand the connection
between proper
nutrition, physical activity
and a moderate lifestyle.”
Diabetes Education - provides
education for those
with diabetes and their
families. It guides patients
in developing diabetes
management skills.
“During the last three Community Health
survey (2005-2010), Lambton residents
were significantly less likely than Ontario
residents to report eating five or more
servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
Susan Harris, Registered Dietitian
Clinical Nutrition Education
- provides education
and counseling regarding
the appropriate diet for
specific medical conditions,
such as:
•Lipids: cholesterol/triglycerides
(monthly group
sessions)
•Diabetes prevention and
weight loss (monthly
group sessions)
Individual appointments
for other nutritional
needs/issues such as:
•G a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l
Disorders/Celiac
•Allergies
•Kidney Disease
•Eating Disorders
Outreach services:
•Charlotte Eleanor Englehart
Hospital (CEEH) of
Bluewater Health
•Walpole Island Health
Centre
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact 519-464-4400
ext 5329
Doctor referral required.
Quick Facts to Consider
•2010 - 62% of the adult
population is overweight
or obese. This is a 4.4%
increase from 2008
•2010 - 51.3% of the adult
population is inactive.
This is a 4.9% decrease
in activity from the 2008
Canadian Community
Health Survey
•In 2011 the prevalence
of diabetes in Lambton
County was 8.4%
Any Change Makes a
Difference – Tips for a
Healthier You!
•Try to maintain a healthy
weight.
•Increase your intake
of fiber. A lack of fiber
has been connected to a
number of diseases. So,
add more fruits and vegetables
daily. Use whole
grain breads and cereals.
Mix a high grain cereal
into your child’s favorite
cereal to punch up their
fiber for the day or try a
half-and-half sandwich
using one slice of whole
grain bread and one slice
of white bread.
•Cut down on fat to improve
your heart health
but don’t cut it out completely.
Add spices and
herbs to your vegetables
instead of butter or margarine.
Butter one slice of
bread in a sandwich not
both, and if you like mayonnaise
add it instead of
butter or margarine.
•Increase your activity.
Try to exercise regularly
for at least 150 minutes
per week. Exercise makes
your heart healthier,
helps maintain a healthy
weight, assists in weight
loss, and best of all…it
makes you feel better!
•If you smoke, STOP!
•Use alcohol and caffeine
in moderation. Canada’s
Food Guide suggests
moderation is no more
than one drink of alcohol
per day and 3 – 4 cups
(not mugs) of coffee per
day.
•Limit salt in your diet.
Cook with salt but do
not add any more at the
table.
•Eat your fruits and vegetables.
Canada’s Food
Guide recommends that
adults have at least 7 servings
of fruits and vegetables
per day. Include a
rainbow of colors of fruits
and vegetables to reduce
your risk of disease.
The more reds, oranges,
greens, yellows and blues
you see on your plate, the
more health promoting
properties you are getting
from your choices.
•Eat your breakfast every
day. Studies show people
who do not eat breakfast
tend to eat many extras
during the evening.
•Add snacks daily. Don’t
go more than four to five
hours without eating.
•Don’t deprive yourself –
remember to add your favorite
food in weekly, not
daily.

Upcoming
Events
National Volunteer Week – April 15-21, 2012
National Nursing Week,
Mental Health Week – May 7-13, 2012
BLuewater HeaLtH BOarD
Of DIreCtOrs MeetInGs
March 28, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
April 25, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
May 23, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
*For location and meeting details
and other hospital events, visit the events
calendar on Bluewater Health’s
website at www.bluewaterhealth.ca.
BLuewater HeaLtH
fOunDatIOn eVents
P.A.I.R.S. Trivia Challenge – May 4, 2012
Bluewater Brawl – May 26, 2012
Golf fore Health tournament – June 14, 2012
Gourmet Giggles – October 20, 2012
Half-Marathon – October, 2012
For further information, please contact
Johanne at (519) 464-4405
or jtomkins@bluewaterhealth.ca
President – Gord Bristo
Vice President – Greg Bond
Secretary-Treasurer – Len MacLachlan
Board of Directors
John DeGroot • Sandra Graham • Marc Guilbeault
Lori Hamel Johnson • Marg Hendra
Lorri Kerrigan • Leo Lozier • Marty Raaymakers
Donna Smalls • Tanya Wolff • Ernie Wong
Executive Director – Kathy Alexander
(519) 464-4438
Executive Assistant – Theresa Pettit
(519) 464-4408
Donor Liaison – Lisa Waite
(519) 464-4429
Foundation and Special Events Coordinator
Johanne Tomkins (519) 464-4405
Business Centre Coordinator – Theresa Pettit
(519) 464-4408
Email: hospital@bluewaterhealth.ca
Website: www.bluewaterhealthfoundation.ca
Charitable Business #86939 4163 RR0001
To learn more about the Bluewater Health Foundation
and opportunities to contribute to life-saving
equipment for the new hospital, please visit
www.bluewaterhealthfoundation.ca.
Learn more about Bluewater Health’s programs and
services, performance, and opportunities for employment
and volunteering, at www.bluewaterhealth.ca.
PULSE is published by Bluewater Health Foundation
with support from the Department of Communications
and Public Affairs of Bluewater Health.
Questions or information regarding this publication can
be forwarded to:
Kathy Alexander
519-464-4438
Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 2
Medication
Reconciliation:
Enhancing Patient Safety
An important part
of your care while
in-hospital or in
the Emergency Department
at Bluewater Health
is making sure that your
healthcare team has the
most up-to-date medication
list possible. This ensures
that the right medication
is given at the right
time – even after discharge.
Patients commonly receive
new medications or have
changes made to their current
medications during
their stay.
Did you know that half
of Emergency Department
visits in Ontario are due
to adverse events related
to medication discrepancies?
These medication
discrepancies are preventable
through the process
of “medication reconciliation.”
Physicians, Nurses
and Pharmacists use the
medication reconciliation
process to obtain the
most accurate list possible
of a patient’s current home
medications. They then
compare this list with the
While in the hospital
or the
E m e r g e n c y
Department, be prepared to
answer the following questions:
•What prescription medications
are you currently
prescribed or taking?
•Are you on any eye drops,
inhalers, patches or are you
using any creams or ointments?
•Do you take your medications
as prescribed? Did
medications prescribed
during that patient’s stay.
By doing this, they ensure
any medications the patient
has been taking, and
still intends to take, are accounted
for.
As a patient, you have a
very important role to play
in this process. It is very
important to bring your
current medications –
preferably in their original
containers –with you when
you come to hospital. This
is true whether you are visiting
the Emergency Department,
or coming for
admission. This is also true
when bringing a loved one
to the hospital. Research
shows that most adult children
are unprepared for
an emergency concerning
their parents, and don’t
have the information they
need about their loved
one’s health. Specifically:
•51% can’t name any medications
their parents take
daily
•52% say their parents have
allergies to medications,
Pharmacy technicians are on staff to assist with medication reconciliation
for new admissions throughout the hospital. They are located in
the Emergency Department Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Pictured here, from left to right, are Brittney McGregor, Pharmacy
Technician, Pharmacy; Liz Anthony, Admitting Nurse, Emergency
Department; and Missie Jackson, Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy with
the WOW – Wireless on Wheels – used for medication reconciliation.
but can’t name the allergies
•76% can’t name their parents’
blood type
“Medication reconciliation
is just one of the ways
we ensure patient safety
at Bluewater Health,”
says Andrea Wist, Director,
Pharmacy, Bluewater
Health. “To further prevent
Making Sure Your
Medication List is Complete
re-admissions and visits to
the Emergency Depart-
ment, Bluewater Health is
collaborating with com-
munity health partners to
ensure the patient’s medi-
cations are properly re-
corded throughout their
care journey.”
Patient Declaration of Values and
Rights & Responsibilities Available
Bluewater Health
r e i n f o r c e d i t s
commitment to
patient and family-centered
care with the launch of a
new patient Declaration of
Values last June. The document,
a requirement of the
Excellent Care for All Act,
describes the values that are
most important to patients
and families while in the
hospital’s care.
you make the change, or
did your doctor?
•What non-prescription or
over-the-counter medications
are you taking?
•How many pharmacies do
you get your medications
from?
•Are there any medications
that you did not bring in
with you today or are not
on your list?
•Are there any medications
that you have been prescribed
but are not taking?
According to Sue Denomy,
President and CEO, “The
purpose of the Declaration
of Values is to make sure
that the care at Bluewater
Health is what our patients
expect. Through this process
we heard from more
than 150 patients, families,
staff, physicians and volunteers,
and together we
found the right words to
support our Mission: “We
•Do you take anything
from an herbalist or health
store?
•When you feel better, do
you sometimes stop taking
your medicine?
•Sometimes if you feel
worse when you take your
medicine, do you stop taking
it?
•In a week or a month, how
many times do you forget
to take your medication?
create exemplary healthcare
experiences for patients and
families every time.”
Following June’s launch of
the Declaration of Values,
Bluewater Health undertook
a refresh of the existing
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
to make sure
that it was well-aligned with
the Patient Declaration of
•Have any of your medications
been causing side effects?
•Have you run out of some
medications that you still
need to take?
•Have you spent any days
in the hospital in the past
year?
•Have you changed your
daily routine to accommodate
your medication
schedule?
Values and supporting the
Mission Statement.
Both documents are
now publicly posted on
the hospital’s website at
www.bluewaterhealth.ca
(under Patient & Visitor Information)
and shortly will
appear on signs in public
waiting rooms at hospitals
in Sarnia and Petrolia.

For the second time in
as many years, it was
a group that took
the top prize in the 17th
Bluewater Health Foundation
Dream Home Lottery.
The group of 16 employees
at Steeves & Rozema had
their choice of the deluxe
home at 6729 Old Mill Road
in The Maples subdivision
in Camlachie, or $300,000
cash. Group members Marie
Edwards, Mary Loupos,
Jill Howie, Greg Fraser, Patricia
Mancini, Peggy Overholt,
Kim Rumble, John
Scotland, Brian Murphy,
Florence Brown, Dalene
Willans, Chris Skinner,
Jane Zoeger, Clarke Boddy,
Amanda Lakey and Wayne
Howie, met with Bluewater
Health Foundation staff at
the home on Sunday, February
26 to celebrate, and discuss
their options of choosing
the home or taking the
$300,000 cash award.
The group purchased the
winning ticket with some
extra winnings from their
office lottery pool. “We
wanted to support something
meaningful to all of
us,” says Marie Edwards,
spokesperson for the group.
“By supporting our local
hospital, our whole community
wins.”
The approximately
$275,000 in proceeds from
the lottery this year is being
used to purchase dose reduction
software for Bluewater
Health CT scanner,
and medical equipment
and instrumentation for
the operating rooms. The
Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 3
Dream Home Lottery Top Prize
Goes to Group of Sixteen
Back Row Left to Right: Jane Zoeger, Wayne Howie, John Scotland, Mary Loupos, Chris Skinner, Brian Murphy and Clarke Boddy
Front Row Left to Right: Jill Howie, Florence Brown, Marie Edwards (With her grand-daughter Kate Williams) Kim Rumble, Patricia Mancini,
Dalene Willans, Peggy Overholt and Amanda Lakey. Missing: Greg Fraser
dose reduction software allows
the radiation dose on
CT scans to be reduced by
at least 40 percent, and up
to 50 percent in some cases.
More than 13,000 CT scans
are performed at the hospital
each year.
This year’s amount brings
the total raised over the 17
years of the Dream Home
Lottery to more than $5
million. “We sold out this
year, which demonstrates
how relevant this fundraiser
remains in our community,”
says Johanne Tomkins,
Special Events Coordinator,
Bluewater Health Foundation.
“We continue to enjoy
tremendous support not
only from those who purchase
tickets, but our local
businesses, constructors and
design partners as well.”
“The success of fundraisers
like this translates to success
for the residents of Sarnia-
Lambton in the form of topnotch
care, close to home,”
says Kathy Alexander, Executive
Director, Bluewater
Health Foundation.
This year’s home was a
2192-square-foot contemporary
bungalow in The
Maples, in Camlachie, built
by Marjan Homes Inc., with
interior design by Brushstrokes.
The covered front
and rear porches and home
theatre are just some of the
stunning features of this
year’s Dream Home. Next
year’s Dream Home location
will be announced in
late Spring or early Summer.
Bluewater Health’s Healing
Environment to Include Artwork
In November 2011,
Bluewater Health
completed the relocation
of all patients, staff,
equipment and supplies to
the single hospital facility
in Sarnia. To supplement
the building design and
its healing environment, a
selection of artwork is now
being made.
A multi-year process was
undertaken by Bluewater
Health Foundation staff
and volunteers, to identify,
collect and safeguard all
pieces of artwork donated
in the past. An electronic
inventory has been completed
to document and
track each piece. Donated
artwork was placed into
storage during the construction
and renovation
phases of the project.
“We have accumulated
quite a collection,” says Sue
Denomy, President and
CEO, Bluewater Health.
“Most of these pieces have
been donated in appreciation
for care received or in
memory of a loved one,
and have special meaning
to the donors. However as
healthcare standards have
changed, so too has our
ability to display all of the
L to R: (back row) Kathy Alexander, Executive Director, Bluewater Health; Corinne Schieman, owner, Artopia Gallery & Framing; local artist
Kathy Rath; and Wendy Wilson, Project Coordinator, Facilities Planning & Development, Bluewater Health.
art we have been given in
the past.”
“The Foundation and
hospital staff are grateful
for the volunteer expertise
of Corinne Schieman,
owner of the local art store,
Artopia Gallery & Framing;
and local artist Kathy
Rath,” says Alex Sullo, Director,
Facilities Services.
“They are helping to select
the most appropriate pieces
for specific locations within
the building.”
Artwork may not be suitable
for display for a variety
of reasons:
•Since art objects are subject
to a rigid cleaning
process in outbreak situations,
they cannot contain
fabric.
•Some of the pieces were
donated many years
ago. Over time, the piece
may have faded, become
scratched, or the frame
damaged. It may be too
expensive to repair or no
longer aesthetically pleasing.
•The Sarnia hospital has a
color palette selected by
the architects and interior
designer. Some of the
pieces of artwork from the
past are no longer suited
to the modern décor.
“Just as when you move
into a new home, you don’t
always hang everything
you once had in the same
locations – so too with the
hospital,” Sullo added. “We
have an opportunity to
choose the pieces that suit
the patient population, the
interior design, and the
size and locations of wall
spaces.”
All pieces of art donated to
the hospital over the years
have been photographed
and catalogued, and in the
future will be available on
Bluewater Health Foundation’s
website as a virtual
art gallery. To honour the
past generosity of donors,
this gallery will showcase
the gifts of art donated to
the Sarnia hospitals over
the years.
Pieces which no longer
have an appropriate place
in either the Sarnia or
Petrolia hospitals will be
offered back to the original
donor. Those who wish
to have back a previously
donated piece of art may
contact the Foundation at
519-464-4400 ext 4408. If
the donor is not known, has
since passed away, cannot
be reached by the Foundation,
or doesn’t wish to
have the piece back, it will
be included in a future Art
Auction. Proceeds from
the event will support the
purchase of new art.
“We are deeply touched
when someone wants to
share with us something
meaningful to them,” says
Kathy Alexander, Executive
Director, Bluewater
Health Foundation. “As the
Foundation will no longer
accept artwork to be used
within the hospital, we encourage
art lovers to make
a monetary donation directed
to funding future
art that complies with the
hospital’s new policy and
direction for artwork.”

Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 4
We couldn’t do it
Donation Made to Oncology
Department in Memory of
Tony Domenichini
Bluewater Health’s Oncology
Department is the
proud recipient of proceeds
from a special fund donated
in memory of Antonio
Domenichini, who spent
many hours being treated
for terminal mesothelioma
cancer. Antonio came to
Canada from Italy in the
1960s, at the young age of
17. He attended Lambton
College, Brock University
and the University of Toronto.
His passion was realized
as the Honorary Vice
Consul of Italy for 25 years,
officially representing the
Italian Government in Sarnia
and Lambton County.
The struggles Antonio witnessed
inspired him to encourage
his fellow Italians to
be proud Italian-Canadians
and to be cultural and be active
in their communities.
“Our daughters – Christina,
Angela and Ally – and I
are proud and honoured to
make this $1,000 donation
in the memory of such a
dedicated father and proud
Italian-Canadian,” said his
wife, Pam Domenichini.
Following Antonio’s death,
nine local Associations –
Sarnia Italian-Canadian
Pictured, standing from left to right, are: Carolyn McFadden, RN, Bluewater Health; Luisa Solinas; Christina
Domenichini; Luigi Torti; Rick Vani; Ally Domenichini; Giovanna Rzeznik; Alana Halfpenny, Manager, Cancer
Care Assessment & Treatment Centre, Bluewater Health. Seated is Pam Domenichini.
Heritage Society; Dante
Club; Dante Club Bocciofila;
Dante Club Women
Assoc.; Laziali di Sarnia;
Holy Mary Rosary; Sarnia
Pensioners Club; Navellesi
Sarnia; and St. Frances
Cabrini – created a fund in
his memory to be directed
to a good cause. “Antonio
was a wonderful and gentle
person, always ready and
willing to go out of his way
for anyone in need of his assistance,
giving generously
of his time with genuine
kindness and a ready smile,”
they collectively said. “We
will always think fondly of
him and we wish to express
our gratitude, to Antonio’s
family, for all that he has
done for us for 25 years. We
would like to pay homage to
his memory and we hope it
can live on through this
small contribution. With
deep appreciation, thank
you Tony.”
Local Organizations
Support Patient and Family
Guide Update
Bluewater Health and
Bluewater Health Foundation
would like to thank
the 40 local organizations
that supported the recent
update of the hospital’s
Patient and Family Guide
through advertising.
ACFO
Hucker Floor Coverings
ActivEars
In Motion
Angel Care Home Vists
Investors Group
- David Noel
Bob Bailey MPP
Lambton Elderly Outreach
Burchill Financial/Sunlife
Lyndon Security
Calm n Scents
Manley's Basics
Canadian Cancer Society
McKenzie Blundy Funeral
Home
CCMF
MIG
Chris Williams
Morrison Foods
Cooperators-Fabien Jagoo
Motion Specialties
D.J. Robb Funeral Home
Northgate Pharmacy
Dally and Elliott
Office of Pat Davidson MP
Dr. Milne Orthotech
Philips Life Line
Elite Tech Services
Rapids Family Health
Flowers by Bill Bush
Red Cross
Forest Pharmacy
S&R Retirement
Harbour Front Inn
The Workplace Group
Hazlitt Steeves Harris LLP
Twin Lakes Terrace
Hogan Pharmacy
VON Canada
Holiday Inn
This approach allows
Bluewater Health to print
this valuable resource with
no cost to the hospital.
The Guide enhances the
patient and family experience
by providing such
helpful information as patient
rights and responsibilities,
infection control,
safety measures, mealtimes,
hospital and local amenities,
and contact information.
Copies are available
in high-traffic areas, and
the Guide is also available
on the hospital website at
www.bluewaterhealth.ca.
Kiwanis
International
Provides Fun for
Children
Pictured, from left to right, are Dorothy Gleason, RN; Connie
Courtney, Business Director, MIC and Rural Health; Sheila Donald,
Lt. Gov. Division 3 Eastern Canada & Caribbean District of Kiwanis
International; Sonja Mackie, RN and Kelly Ross, Manager, Maternal/
Infant/Child Program
Kiwanis is a worldwide service
organization dedicated
to changing the world, one
child and one community
at a time. Kiwanis just celebrated
97 years of service.
Sheila Donald, Lt. Governor
for Division 3 of the
Eastern Canada and Caribbean
District of Kiwanis
International, installs the
new club officers and board
members for the 10 clubs in
her division, which stretches
from Windsor to Forest.
It is customary to give the
incoming President of each
club a small gift. Instead of
doing that this time, Sheila
purchased a book on behalf
of each club President and
donated them to the Maternal/Infant/Child
Program
at Bluewater Health.
Within Sarnia there are
currently three clubs – Kiwanis
Club of Sarnia (84
years of service), Kiwanis
Club of the Seaway (53
years of service) and Sarnia-Lambton
Golden K Kiwanis
(22 years of service).
The three clubs support
many worthwhile service
projects locally as well as
internationally.
Dialysis Unit
Benefits from
Lambton Shrine
Club Motor Corps
Donation
Pictured, from left to right, are: Dr. Gordon Simmons, member of
Lambton Shrine Club Motor Corps; and Jim Sayers, Past President.
The Lambton Shrine Motor Corps, composed of members
of the Lambton Shrine Club, is dedicated to helping
children locally and nationally through support of the
Shrine Children's Hospitals and medical research. They
participate in parades and other events in their miniature
cars to entertain children and adults alike, while raising
donations to help children. The Motor Corps recently donated
$1000 to Bluewater Health’s Dialysis Unit for medical
equipment.

Royal Canadian
Legion Makes
Donation
Pictured, from left to right, are Kathy Alexander, Executive Director,
Bluewater Health Foundation and Vern Gekill, member of Royal
Canadian Legion – Corunna.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447- Corunna donated
$1,000 toward the Recreation Therapy Department
at Bluewater Health. The Branch uses a portion of the
proceeds from the poppy fund to support community
healthcare, particularly these services that may be required
by veterans.
The organizers of the 5th
Annual Greekfest donated
$3,300 from the proceeds of
the event, held in September
Greekfest Continues
Tradition of Giving
2011, to Bluewater Health
Foundation for use in purchasing
medical equipment.
At the festival, children from
ISA Sarnia Section
Supports Equipment
Purchase
Pictured, from left to right, are Greta Cooke, RN, Emergency
Department, Bluewater Health; Rob Dickson, President, ISA Sarnia
Section; and Kathy Alexander, Executive Director, Bluewater Health
Foundation
The ISA (International Society of Automation) Sarnia
Section has generously donated $5,000 toward a VS3 Vital
Signs Monitor for the hospital. The money was raised
through membership, a golf tournament, education sessions
and the organization’s bi-annual trade show. To
date, the organization has raised $17,600 for equipment
for Bluewater Health.
National Child
Day Marked With
Blankets
Pictured, from left to right, are: (front) Andrea Urquhart holding
her newborn baby and Dallas Urquhart (father); (back) Milly Helps,
Charge Nurse, Maternal/Infant/Child Program and Laurie Simpson,
RN, Bluewater Health.
Bluewater Health and Best Start partners marked National
Child Day by distributing a baby blanket to each new baby
born over the November 20 weekend. National Child Day
is held on November 20 each year to mark the anniversary
of Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child.
the Greek community demonstrated
dances they practice
in learning about their
heritage.
Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 5
Proceeds From
Children’s Auxiliary
Cookie Walk Benefit
MIC Program
Pictured, from left to right, are: Cheri Paisley, Cathy Bayne and Joe-
Ann Rowe from the Children’s Auxiliary
The Children’s Auxiliary raised $1300 from their annual
Cookie Walk held at Bluewater Health in support of the
Maternal/Infant/Child Program. It is one of their major
fundraisers, and it would not be successful without the
support of the staff, physicians and volunteers at Bluewater
Health.
Union Gas Grant Contributes to ‘Crash
Cart’ for CEEH of Bluewater Health
Emergency Department
Charlotte Eleanor Englehart
Hospital (CEEH) Auxiliary
has been awarded a
$1,000 Centennial Community
Grant from Union
Gas to support emergency
care of cardiac patients.
Union Gas celebrated 100
years of delivering safe, reliable
and affordable service
to customers and communities
across Ontario in
2011. This award is one of
100 Centennial grants of
$1,000 each that Union Gas
gave out to support charitable
projects focused on the
environment, community
safety and education across
the province.
“The Auxiliary volunteers
are currently actively raising
Streets Eatery & Pub Supports
CEEH Foundation
On December 19, 2011
Randy Clarke and the staff
of Streets Eatery & Pub
in Petrolia hosted a free
turkey dinner for local
seniors. Randy donated
and prepared all the food
and all staff donated their
time, serving 187 seniors
at Streets. Randy and staff
then donated the gratuities
left by those patrons, in
the amount of $500, to the
Charlotte Eleanor Englehart
Hospital Foundation,
as they all feel very strongly
about supporting the hospital
in Petrolia.
the funds to facilitate the
purchase of this new equipment
and thank Union Gas
for their contribution to
this project,” said Margaret
Perry, the CEEH Auxiliary
president. “Our organization
continues in its efforts
to fund the purchase of new
hospital equipment for the
betterment of patients.”
Established in 1911, and
originally known as the
Women’s Hospital Guild,
the CEEH Auxiliary is a
dedicated group of volunteers
from rural Lambton
County, who provide inservice
care programs for
patients at CEEH of Bluewater
Health. One of the
Charlotte Eleanor Engle-
Pictured, from left to right, are: (front) Omer May, CEEH Foundation
and Randy Clarke, Owner of Streets Eatery & Pub; (middle) Luisa
Paolucci and Chantal Brandon; (back) Helen Jones, Peggy Penfound,
Linda VanDun, Brady Hartle, and Mary Ferrell.
Pictured here, from left to right, are: David Simpson, Director, Storage
& Transmission Operations, Union Gas; Denise Hart, Manager, Rural
Health; Judy Szaefer, Temporary Charge Nurse, Acute Care and
Complex Continuing Care; Jane Cadman, Secretary, CEEH Auxiliary;
Judy Marriott, Charge Nurse, Emergency, Endoscopy and Ambulatory
Care; and Margaret Perry, President, CEEH Auxiliary.
hart Hospital Auxiliary’s
100th Anniversary project
goals of 2011 was the purchase
of a Crash Cart for the
Emergency Department.
The crash cart which costs
$2,200 will greatly assist
emergency room staff and
provide a life saving service
to the community.

Beginning in January
2012, more local
patients who
had previously been traveling
to London for dialysis
treatment are receiving care
at Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
The hospital received
funding to expand dialysis
care by three additional
dialysis stations in Sarnia,
accommodating up to 12
patients.
For the first new dialysis
patient at Bluewater Health
through this expansion,
Annie Garrison, this is a
welcome development. “It’s
so much better without the
long drive, and the added
expense of going to London,”
she says. “Each treatment
used to take the whole
day, with the drive back and
forth, and now it is only half
Many people who
are feeling unwell
and going
to a hospital for care, are
also anxious, asking themselves
such questions as how
long will I have to wait, what
will I hear from the doctor,
and what treatment will I
need? Bluewater Health, in
keeping with its commitment
to exemplary care, is
making improvements that
support a better healthcare
experience.
In April 2011, Bluewater
Health began its 8-month
participation in an important
patient-focused program,
specifically in the
Emergency Department
(ED) and Medicine Unit.
The aim was to improve patient
flow from the moment
a patient arrives in the ED
through to discharge from
the hospital. Called Process
Improvement Program
(PIP), it is a 5-phase process
funded by the Ministry
of Health and Long-Term
Care, designed to improve
the patient’s experience.
The PIP team began its
work with a diagnostic
phase. By mapping out the
multiple steps of a patient’s
journey, the 25-member
multidisciplinary team
could identify as many as
35 potential opportunities
for improvement.
By August, the defined,
ambitious goals of PIP in
the ED became focused on:
Bluewater Health Helping
More Dialysis Patients
Pictured, seated, is Annie Garrison, patient, and standing, left to right
are: Dorothy Percival, volunteer, Kidney Foundation; Jennifer Ryan;
RN, Bluewater Health; and Eloise Tardif; RN, Bluewater Health.
a day each time. Now I can
spend the extra time doing
something I enjoy.”
Bluewater Health President
and CEO, Sue Denomy,
says, “We are delighted to
be able to expand our service
to treat more patients
locally. We are grateful to
the Ontario Renal Network
(ORN), the ESC LHIN, our
Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 6
regional partners and our
dialysis unit staff for helping
to move this improvement
in patient and family
centred care forward.”
The Bluewater Health
Dialysis unit operates as a
satellite of London Health
Sciences Centre (LHSC),
providing hemodialysis
treatment for people with
chronic kidney disease.
Patient care is provided by
Bluewater Health in consultation
with a multidisciplinary
team and LHSC
nephrologists. The unit operates
six days a week from
7:00 am to 11:00 pm, administering
8424 treatments
annually. Most patients require
dialysis treatment that
takes up to five hours, three
times per week.
The additional funding
brings the Bluewater Health
dialysis unit complement
to 12 stations, increasing
care from 54 to 66 patients.
The expansion has resulted
in the addition of staffing,
with funding from ORN for
staff training (a minimum
of 8 weeks), equipment and
operating costs for the three
additional stations.
A multi-disciplinary team
of professionals at LHSC including
nurses, physicians,
social work, nutritional
services and others, completed
a thorough assessment
to prioritize and determine
the patients whose
care needs and health status
suited them for transfer to
Sarnia. Inevitably there are
individual clinical circumstances
which require pa-
Hospital Units Work to Improve
Healthcare Experience
- decreasing low acuity patients’
length of stay in the
ED;
- shortening the amount of
time a patient waits for initial
assessment by the ED
physician;
- reducing the turn-around
time for diagnostic tests
(ultrasounds).
And in the Medicine unit,
goals were to:
- streamline the admission
process.
- improve the turn-around
time between patient discharge
to new patient admission.
- decrease inpatient length
of stay where possible.
- decrease delays in a patient’s
discharge.
Staff and physicians working
together expected these
improvements to significantly
improve the flow of
patients; improve patient
and staff satisfaction; and
support the development of
sustainable quality management
initiatives, resulting in
exemplary, timely, efficient
and fiscally responsible care
– and they were right! Results
have been impressive.
In Sarnia’s Emergency Department,
where as many
as 200 patients are cared for
each day, a ‘See and Treat’
model of care was implemented
for patients with
non-urgent complaints.
These low acuity patients
comprise as much as 60%
of the daily ED volume.
“Our ED wait times for
non-urgent care compare
favorably in the province,
but we recognize that any
delay in care can be uncomfortable,
stressful and inconvenient.
The goal is to provide
care more quickly and
discharge the patient home
where they can best begin to
feel better,” said Sue Roger,
whose leadership responsibilities
include the ED and
Medicine Unit.
‘See and Treat’ patients are
now assessed by a designated
physician and nurse located
in one specific room.
After physician assessment,
the nurse offers treatment
and inputs any necessary
treatment orders. As a result,
low acuity patients are
now seen, treated and discharged
much faster from
the ED, freeing time, space,
and human resources for the
care and treatment of those
with more urgent or com-
plex needs. In the month
of November for example,
Bluewater Health had the
shortest ‘time to physician
initial assessment’ in the
region with wait times of
1.5 to 2.2 hours – below the
provincial target. One hundred
per cent of low acuity
patients were seen and released
in less than 4 hours,
despite increased patient
volume in the department.
Other improvements have
been made on Sarnia’s Inpatient
Medicine unit – a
25-bed acute care unit
where patient age ranges
from 20 to 100 years, and
conditions can include cancer,
pneumonia or diabetes.
The Medicine Unit implemented
‘Bullet Rounds’ - a
proven strategy in other
leading hospitals. Bullet
rounds bring together a full
team of care providers (including
physicians, nurses,
social work, physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, patient
flow coordinators and
Community Care Access
Centre) for a daily, early
morning briefing of each
patient’s status, needs, and
discharge plans. Opportunities,
gaps and barriers are
strategized for each patient
on the unit.
The average length of
stay has successfully been
decreased up to 24 hours
without any negative impact
to ED visits or re-admission
rates, and despite
an increase in the number
of Alternate Level of Care
(ALC) patients on the unit
awaiting a more appropriate
placement elsewhere.
Before PIP, only 5% of surveyed
in-patients and staff
were aware of an anticipated
date of discharge from the
Medicine Unit. Now, with
whiteboards posted in each
patient room, and a new
tients to travel to London
for a higher intensity of
care. The waiting list fluctuates,
based on new and
existing patients and their
health status.
“I have heard from several
people, often seniors, who
drive to London to receive
dialysis. This expansion at
Bluewater Health is very
good news for those patients,”
said Sarnia-Lambton
MPP Bob Bailey. “I would
especially like to recognize
the great advocacy work on
the part of our local Bluewater
Health team and the
Sarnia-Lambton Chapter
of the Kidney Foundation
of Canada.”
Photo on Left: pictured, from left to right, are Colleen Ireland, RN; Steven Arsenault, Aide; and Dr. Jason Hirst, Physician, all of the Emergency
Department of Bluewater Health, in Sarnia. Photo on right, pictured, from left to right, are Elaine Beaubien, Dietician; Jan Sutton, Charge
Nurse; Kim Tiemens, Social Worker, Annette Paradis, RN and PIP Team Lead; Sandy Maxfield, Manager, Jennifer Verslype, Physiotherapist; Jean
Dubuque, RPN; Amy Hacker, CCAC; Cindy Leckie, Infection Control; Mary Beth Strong, Occupational Therapist; and Chris Cowley, CCAC.
patient discharge pamphlet,
45% of patients report having
a much better awareness
and readiness for their posthospital
needs and plans.
Sue Denomy, President
and CEO, congratulated the
PIP team saying, “By engaging
frontline staff, they have
welcomed new opportunities
to improve the patient
experience by introducing
new models of care and evidence-based
best practices.
On behalf of our patients,
we are delighted with their
progress.”
“While PIP is only one of
several quality improvement
initiatives at Bluewater
Health,” she added, “it’s
making a difference across
the organization in the way
we deliver care to those who
need us most.”

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Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 7
There Really Is
No Place Like Home
The Erie St Clair
Community Care
Access Centre
(CCAC) is partnering with
local hospitals and community
service providers
to bring a new philosophy
to patient care, known as
Home First.
Home First helps patients
transition from the hospital
back to their homes. It’s
about making every effort
to support patients to go
home safely with the appropriate
care rather than
seeing long-term care as
the only option.
Home First brings together
physicians, care givers,
CCAC Case Managers,
patients and their families
to determine the right care
at the right time in the right
place.
Upon admission, a Home
First Case Manager is contacted
to join the care team
to help develop an appropriate
care plan, by focusing
on what a patient and
their family need most to
help them go home, after
their acute hospital stay has
ended.
Once a patient’s individual
needs are determined,
Home First makes it happen.
Some patients may
need enhanced care: for
example, extended nursing
care, access to physiotherapy,
medical equipment and
supplies, etc.
The CCAC Case Manager
stays connected with their
client for as long as necessary,
to assess their care
and recovery, providing
more services and support,
if needed.
There are several benefits
of being home which
include: overall comfort,
familiarity with surroundings,
and reduced risk of
additional illness and infections.
When given a choice,
most people would prefer
to recover and rehabilitate
at home rather than in a
hospital.
Evidence confirms that
elderly patients discharged
with adequate supports, are
often able to remain home
or wait for long-term care
outside of hospital. More
patients than ever before
are now successfully returning
home with the appropriate
supports.
It’s about providing the
right care at the right time
in the right place. It's about
ensuring that our hospitals
and long-term care homes
are there for those who
need them most. It’s about
everyone involved in care
asking “What can I do to
help this person get home?”
With Home First, home is
always an option.
To find out more information
please visit
www.choosehomefirst.ca
How would you get help at a moment like this?
Lifeline is the only medical alert service that calls for help
automatically even if you or a loved one can’t.
Call Lambton Kent Lifeline in affiliation with Bluewater
Health Foundation today at 1-800-387-8065 and receive
FREE INSTALLATION (value up to $90)
Quote code 584
www.lifeline.ca
Available at local participating programs only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Offer valid on new
activations only. AutoAlert does not detect 100% of falls. If able, you should always press your button.

Volume 12 Issue 1 • March 19, 2012 • Page 8